Paul Byrd

A friend recommended this book after having read it, though I got the copy I read from my local library. Despite the author having pitched for the local Major League Baseball team, I don't recall his name. (For some reason, his name reminds me of another pitcher, Mark "The Bird" Fidyrich, who, as I recall, gained some fame for appearing to talk to the baseball before he pitched it.)

This is not a standard memoir. I'm not sure if the author had a ghostwriter's help or not, but if he did, they sure did a good job at capturing a unique voice in the work. Byrd focuses mainly on his walk with God as a Christian and is not afraid to admit his struggles. He does use some baseball stories to illustrate points, but his pitching was not featured as much as I thought it would be.… (mere)

“"This is not a book about baseball. It's not really about Paul's life either." These are the words of John Smoltz in the introduction to this book. This book is a memoir of one man's continuing journey to Christ. The man just happens to be a professional baseball player. He is also a husband & a father. I liked this book because of its honesty and personal stories. Paul takes a look at many areas of life and how he turned them over to Christ, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. He discusses how he dealt with personal struggles both professional and private. I for one respected and enjoyed the candid discussions and this book gave me plenty to think about in my profession and as a husband & a father.”… (mere)